The actor was spotted in New York City, where the upcoming origin film is scheduled to begin principal photography this month, looking thinner and sporting slightly longer hair than usual. This puts Phoenix closer in physical appearance to the usually gaunt Gotham City-based villain ahead of filming.

Last month while doing press for his latest film The Sister Brothers, Phoenix dismissed any suggestions that he felt pressure to take on the iconic role observing that he "could care less" in regards to expectation and stress on portraying DC's most recognizable villain.

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The actor had been linked to filmmaker Phillips' planned origin story for the Joker for months before officially being cast for the role in July.

With filming expected to begin later this month, it will be interesting to see how Phoenix looks when he makes the full villainous transformation into the most infamous villain Gotham City has ever known.

Directed and co-written by Todd Phillips, Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character along with Robert De Niro, Marc Maron, and Zazie Beetz. It is scheduled to be released on October 4, 2019.